Importance of Personal Development: Gratitude

One of the core values at Mark Spain Real Estate is to constantly grow and improve. We are relentless in the pursuit of self-improvement because our team strives to perform at the highest level possible. One key factor involved in personal development is adopting a mindset of abundance. If you are wanting to stride confidently down the path of self-improvement, check out why gratitude is an essential part of the process!

How Do We Define Gratitude?

Gratitude derives from the Latin word, gratia. It can mean grace, graciousness or gratefulness. Psychologists define this concept as a positive emotional response we perceive. It showcases appreciation for what we receive, whether it be for tangible or intangible things. It allows us to acknowledge the good in our lives. Because we are taking in the good in our lives, we are forming connections with things larger than solely ourselves. Taking in this appreciation allows us to form a mindset of abundance.

Why Choose Gratitude?

 

Motivational speaker, Tony Robbins, begs the question: “Why do we tend to focus on the negative aspects of a situation or experience?”  This is because our brains are wired for survival. We instinctually focus on what could harm us rather than what makes us happy. What is important to remember is that we always have a choice on where we place our focus.

According to a Harvard Health Publishing, gratitude is consistently associated with greater happiness. Embracing gratitude leads to people feeling more positive emotions, relishing good experiences, improving health, dealing with adversity and building strong relationships. Additionally, it has been shown to be positively correlated to an increase in vitality and energy.

Zig Ziglar notes that, “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions.”

Research Behind the Abundance Mindset

Practicing this vitue has been likened to a natural antidepressant. When put into effect daily, gratitude produces long-lasting happiness. This is because it causes the brain to release the neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotinin. These crucial chemicals are responsible for our emotions and elevate our mood. Taking the time to consciously practice an abundance mindset cultivates strong neural pathways.

Additionally, it aids in regulating stress, anxiety, and depression. A study conducted in 1998 displayed a marked reduction in cortisol, the stress hormone, for those who practiced gratitude. Those individuals had better cardiac functioning and were more resilient to negative experiences. When stress hormones are reduced, symptoms of depression and anxiety are also significantly reduced. This is because feelings of this are associated with an increase in the regulation of negative emotions.

As a result of these studies, it was found that those who practice gratitude are more empathetic and positive minded by nature.

How We Practice the Abundance Mindset

Not only do we strive for constant growth at Mark Spain Real Estate, we also encourage an attitude of excellence, which comes hand in hand with a mindset of abundance. Practicing gratitude is something we encourage our team to do daily. We recently shared some thoughts to keep in mind with our team when practicing a mindset of abundance.

• The more I give, the more I receive, and the more I will have to give
• The more I can learn, the more I can share; and the more I can recognize what needs to be learned
• The more I am open to feedback, the more I can grow

In addition to these positive thoughts, Harvard Medical School sites several methods to employ as well.

• Write a thank-you note
• Thank someone mentally
• Keep a gratitude journal
• Count Your Blessings
• Meditate

By practicing gratitude, we are able to constantly grow and improve. Above all, we find ourselves leading more positive and enriched lives.

If your path of personal development is leading you to a new challenging career, contact us! Looking to buy or sell to start that next chapter of your life? We are happy to help.